my friend and i are going to purchase a pasta machine together. we are researching different brands, or attempting too. with the ones on the market now, which ones do you guys maybe have and like or wish you had never bought?

thanks once again!

-- marcee (thathope@mwt.net), January 19, 2002

Answers

Marcee: We have the Ron Popeil one, and it is a great machine - the one advertised on the infomercials. Only, I did find that using just flour made a terrible pasta, so I tried durham (sp?) flour and that made a huge difference.

-- Katie (homesteader@accessnevada.com), January 19, 2002.

Are you buying one that mixes the dough as well as processes it into shapes? I have an atlas machine that only does the "rolling out" part but I think it is great. I use it for noodles mostly and it makes great smooth noodles. It also has a spaghetti attachment, but it doesn't do well with noodle dough so I would need to try just a pasta recipe. Also, they have a lasagne attachment and I think one more that would make another type of pasta.

Dena

-- ddew (ddew1962@earthlink.net), January 19, 2002.

I have an atlas also, hand crank model. I bought it on ebay for $30.00. As far as mixing goes I use my bread maker. I put the ingredints in and set it for dough cycle. Works great.

-- tracy (murfette@stargate.net), January 19, 2002.

I have had both types - the hand crank and a very expensive electric that mixes and squirts out the pasta. I hated the electric one and sold it. The pasta just is not the same as the hand crank. You can't beat the Atlas! I bought mine on Ebay brand new for $35 and it has 3 differant cutters and a ravioli attachment.

Another advantage of the hand crank is that you can use them to make noodles and also for craft projects. Way easier to clean too than the electric. Also, if electricity goes out...you still have pasta!

-- Karen (db0421@yahoo.com), January 20, 2002.